Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TVL): Guide, Facilities & Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants

When you are traveling to and from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

Brief Overview of Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport in Isreal

Situated about 15 km (9.3 miles) from the city center of Tel Aviv in Isreal, lies the country’s main airport, called Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport.

Tel Aviv Airport is also called Ben Gurion International Airport because it was named so after Isreal’s first Prime Minister David-Ben Gurion. Tel Aviv Airport is one of those airports in Israel that also serves as the international passageway not just to Tel Aviv, but also to Jerusalem’s metro areas. It is home to El Al Israir Airlines and Arkia Israel Airlines and can be found nearby the suburb of Lod, which is only a few kilometers away from the city center of Tel Aviv and it’s the nearby southern part of the city as well.

IATA: TLV

Address: 70100 Tel Aviv, Isreal

Airport Contact: +972 3 975 2386

Website: https://www.iaa.gov.il

Operation Hours: Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

Airport Terminals

Tel Aviv Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. All domestic flights are served at Terminal 1, while all international flights are served at Terminal 3. The terminals are connected to concourses and also provide easy access to the airport’s amenities.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

Parking at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport

Tel Aviv Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at Terminals T1 and T3. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport.

It is simple to reserve parking at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport at one of the airport’s parking facilities. Both temporary and permanent parking is possible in a number of parking lots.

You can leave your vehicle in the P1, P2, or P3 parking lots for a brief period of time. These lots can accommodate stays of up to several hours and are nearby the terminal.

The P4, P5, or P7 parking lots are available for long-term parking. Although these parking lots are farther from the terminal, they have lower prices for long-term stays.

Also, the airport offers valet parking, which enables you to leave your car at the terminal and have it kept in a safe area for you. Both short-term and long-term parking is covered by this service.

It is advised to reserve your parking space ahead of time, especially during periods of high traffic, to assure availability and to benefit from any online booking discounts.

Long-term parking is prohibited so you can not park your vehicle for long periods of time. It is best to come up with any family and friends who can pick up and drop off or use public transport like cabs.

Valet Parking: Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Airlines Served at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport

Tel Aviv Airport serves many domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport include:

Adria, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Aerolineas, AeroMexico, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Moldova, Air Serbia, Air Sinai, Alitalia, Alrosa, ANA, American Airlines, Arkia, Astra Airlines, ASL Airlines, Astra, Atlasglobal, Austrian Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bluebird Airways, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Cathay Pacific, Corendon Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Cyprus Airways, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta airlines, Dniproavia, easyJet, El Al Israel Airlines, Enter Air, Ethiopian Airlines,

Finnair, Freebird Airlines, Georgian Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Indigo Airlines, Israir, Jet2, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM, LOT, Lufthansa, Myway Airlines, Neos, Norwegian, Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines, Qantas, Rossiya Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Rwandair, Ryanair, S7 Airlines, Small Planet Airlines, Smartwings, Swiss, TAP, Tailwind Airlines, Tandem Aero, Tarom, Thai Airways, Thomson, Transavia, Turkish Airlines, Tus Airways, Ukraine International Airlines, United Airlines, Ural Air, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, VIM Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Vueling, Wizz Air, and YAN Air.

Facilities and Services Available at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport

Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport in Isreal offers various amenities to passengers to make the traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.

Help Desk

When you are at the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found at the airside and landside of Terminals 1 and 3.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers: Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport. They are located throughout the airport. You can find them on the ground floor, in Vineyard and Orchard parking lots of Terminal 3, and in Arm B at the Duty-Free area. The locker stands also provide mobile charging stations.

Luggage Wrapping:
Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Luggage carts are available at the airport for free. These can be found in the Departures area.

Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Centre

At Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at Tel Aviv Airport are:

Massada Lounge:
The lounge is located on the landside of Terminal 1, at the west end of the Arrivals Hall. Access to the lounge is via pay at the door.

Arbel Lounge: The lounge is located in the airside of Terminal 3, at Eastern Gallery, Level 1. Access to the lounge is via pay at the door.

Dan Lounge:
There are two of these lounges that are located in the airside of Terminal 3, Concourses B and C. Access to these lounges is via pre-paid lounge passes and lounge membership programs.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.

Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. JR Duty-Free can be found in several locations. These are airside of Concourses B, C, D, and E.

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Tel Aviv Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions have been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and airside of the airport’s terminals.

Other Amenities Available at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Prayer Room:

There are three synagogues located airside of Terminal 1, Eastern Hall, near Gate 2; airside of Terminal 3, Greeter’s Hall east gallery on 1st Floor; airside of Terminal 3, Duty-Free Hall. They are open 24 hours.

Children’s Play Area:

The airport offers play areas for children. These are located on the airside of Terminal 1, Departures Hall, near the Duty-Free area, and the airside of Terminal 3, Concourses B, C, and D, on the right of the entrance of every concourse and at end of the concourse on the left side, behind the shops.

Baby Care Facilities:

The airport offers a crib, sink, changing table, and more that are available in the Mother and Child Room. Access to this facility can be availed on request via the Information Counter. This facility is located airside of Terminal 3, Departures Hall, near the Duty-Free area. It is open 24 hours.

Medical Services:

The airport offers healthcare facilities to passengers, in case any emergency arises. These healthcare facilities are located airside of Terminal 1, Greeter’s Hall west gallery, near Gate 21. It is open 24 hours. Another healthcare facility is located airside of Terminal 3, Departures Hall, near the Duty-Free area, right next to the Mother and Child Room.

Pharmacy:

There is a pharmacy available at the airport. SkyPharm offers over-the-counter services. It is located on the 3rd Floor, Buys and Bye Mall, Terminal 3.

ATM:

ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at the airside and landside areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

Currency Exchange Counter:

The currency used in Isreal is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS or ILS). Currency exchange counters are available at the airport and the service is offered by Bank Hapoalim and Yahav Bank. Bank Hapoalim offers 24-hour service and is located on the landside of the Baggage Claim area, near carousels 6 and 7; the landside of Eastern Hall, and another on the landside of the Check-in counter between Departure Hall and Buy & Bye Mall. The Yahav Bank is located in Terminal 1 and usually opens after 8 am till 5 pm, but remains closed on Fridays.

Banking Services:

Banking facilities are available at the airport. Yahav Bank offers services, like banking, currency exchange, and an ATM at the airport. It is located airside of Terminal 1, near Massada Lounge. The bank does not have fixed operation hours and is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Travelers Box:

This facility at the airport allows passengers to easily have their left-over change converted into e-money. TravelersBox kiosk is located landside of Arrivals Hall, near Bank Hapoalim.

Travel Agencies:

If you are arriving at Tel Aviv Airport and need local arrangements or assistance when planning your last-minute trip abroad, there are a few travel agencies with offices at the airport that can probably be of help to you. Eshet, Issa, and daka90 agencies offer such services and are located in the Greeters Hall, East Gallery, Level 2.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport

Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Tel Aviv Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Isreal.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Avia Hotel & Resort:
The hotel is located just 7 minutes from the airport. There is no airport shuttle service available.

Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites:
The hotel is located about 15 minutes from the airport. It also offers shuttle services to and from the airport.

Sadot Hotel:
The hotel is located about 15 minutes from the airport. It also offers free airport pick-up during the nights of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only and a one-way free transfer to the airport on any day of the week.

Transport Options To and From Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport

Getting to and from Tel Aviv Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Tel Aviv airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

The airport operates a free inter-terminal shuttle service between the terminals and long-term parking area, which runs in a circuit every 10 or 20 minutes and 24 hours each day. The shuttle stop for shuttles traveling from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 is located on Level G, next to the stop for long-term parking shuttles. On the other hand, the shuttle stop for shuttles traveling from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 is located at Terminal 1, opposite Gate 4. Shuttles for the long-term parking lot leave from Terminal 3, Level G, Gate 1.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. There are several companies that offer bus services from the Public Transport Level on Level 2 of Terminal 3. Egged offers a connector shuttle located at Line 5, between the airport, Airport City, and El Al Junction. From El Al Junction, passengers can transfer to and from Egged bus lines traveling from and to other areas, like Petah Tikva, Rehovot, Jerusalem, Hadera, Netanya, Ramla, Haifa, Ra’anana Junction, and Ramat Gan Ayalon Mall.

Kavim operates a bus service between the airport, El Al Junction at Line 13, Shoham, and Modi’in.

Metropole operates a bus service between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport and Beer Sheva (Beersheba).

Afikim operates a 24-hour bus service between the airport and the city of Jerusalem. The bus departs on an hourly basis.

Train and Metro Services

There are train services available for travelers to commute from and to Tel Aviv Airport and other parts of the city. The Ben Gurion Airport Train Station is located on the lower level of Terminal 3. Passengers departing from Terminal 1 can use the free inter-terminal shuttle to easily get to the train station.

The Yitzchak Navon train station operates an express train that commutes passengers from the airport to Jerusalem. This train station is located just across the street from Jerusalem Central Bus Station. It is a 20-minute ride and is quicker than any other mode of transport to Jerusalem, including driving.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi services operate 24 hours and dispatchers are available at Level G, Exit Gate 3 of Terminal 3, and Terminal 1 to assist passengers in hiring a taxi. It is advised to always hire a taxi through these dispatchers, as it is the safest option.

Hadar Lod taxis operate between the airport and throughout Israel. Nesher taxis are located at Level G, Exit Gates 1 and 3, and operate between Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. Amal taxis is located at Level G, Exit Gates 1 and 3, and operates between Haifa and the surrounding regions.

A surcharge of 5 ILS ($1.45 USD) is added to the fares of every trip leaving from the airport. Night fares apply from 5 pm to 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 9 pm to 5:29 am on all other days, including Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Additional surcharges may apply for luggage, parties of more than 2 passengers, or when traveling on toll roads.

Car Hire/Rental Service

You can hire a car at Tel Aviv Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site, on the 1st Floor of Arrivals Hall. From here, travelers that want to rent a car are directed by the staff to take the free shuttle to the Pardes Parking Lot for vehicle pick-up. Returning renters can also use the same shuttle to get back to the airport’s terminals.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Avis, Budget, Cal Auto, Eldan, Europcar, Hertz, and Shlomo Sixt.

Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Tel Aviv Airport, ride-sharing services are also offered.

Conclusion

Isreal and its proclaimed capital city Jerusalem have plenty of historic as well as pre-historic significance. Hebrew, Arabic, and English languages are spoken in the region, so communication should not be a barrier for travelers visiting the country.

Traveling to and from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport in Isreal will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.